Foxie Tries Grits

One cold and snowy Sunday morning in early January, Foxie woke up to a scent she had never smelled before. She knew it was food, but was unsure of what kind of food it was. It was the last day of winter break and she was prepared to return to school the next day. When Foxie entered the kitchen, she noticed that her mother was putting something white into bowls out of the pot on the stove. Foxie had never seen this before, so she was very curious as to what it was.

“What kind of food is this?” Foxie asked inquisitively. 

“This is called grits, Foxie. I used to eat these almost every morning when I was a child. I slowed down on eating them as I got older because I mostly don’t eat breakfast anymore. But today I thought I would have some and show them to you and Foxton. Are you ready for your bowl?”

Foxie looked at it closer and made a disgust face and answered, “What do they taste like?”

“Well, Foxie, grits don’t have a super strong taste on their own, but many people doctor them up in order to create something yummy.”

“Doctor them up? What does that mean,” Foxie grabbed a bowl and pushed them around with a spoon. 

“Well, many people put salt and pepper in their grits for a salty breakfast. Other people put butter and sugar in their grits for a sweet breakfast. It’s entirely up to you as to what you do; what would you like to try?”

Foxie was feeling very unsure about this new food item. She was willing to try it, but she did not expect to like it. She grabbed some sugar, because she figured sweet would be fun, and her mom helped her pour the right amount. After stirring it up, she slowly took a very tiny bite into her mouth. As she felt the warm grits melt in her mouth, she was still feeling unsure due to the texture. She took another bite. This time, she smiled. She liked it! 

“This is really good, mom! Why haven’t I tried this sooner?”

“Well, I really just haven’t thought about it. We can have it more often if you would like.”

“I would like that! Thanks, mom!” Foxie said as she lapped up her bowl and finished the grits with a smile. “That was so yummy!”

Foxie learned that trying new things can be a sweet experience and she was excited to add grits to her list of foods she likes.